Utah nation ranked No. 2 for most holiday cheer
The holiday season is a much-needed break after a year filled with pure chaos. Starting with the continuation of the coronavirus pandemic, to killer bees attacks and approximately every natural disaster known to man — every state is looking for its own Hallmark Christmas movie ending filled with hope and holiday cheer going into the next year.
Utah has taken this annual holiday initiative and come out as one of the states with the most Christmas cheer throughout America, according to a survey conducted by the Musement blog. Utah earned a score of 97 out of possible 100 points — securing their official title as America’s Buddy the Elf. Utah is the second most spirited state ranked by the global technology company, followed closely by California who scored a 98 on the Musement scale. Meanwhile, Connecticut was labeled the “scroogiest” state, scoring a mere 66 points.
The blog said Utah has more Christmas tree farms per capita, charitable giving, Christmas-related online shopping and even more Christmas-themed streaming than almost any other state.
While this streaming and online shopping may be due to the need to stay indoors because of the snow and chilly wind or potentially the need to build the perfect gingerbread house, Utahans have proved their Christmas spirit goes beyond the comforts of Christmas decorating and cozy indoor movies.
Praised by Richard Laycock and Catherine Choi from Finder surveys, Utah’s true Christmas spirit lies within the charitable donations and time spent serving other people who are in need.
In Finder’s study, Laycock and Choi found Utah residents have averaged $12,740 given to charity per year. Though this number is one of the highest donation amounts within the U.S., this number only seems to be increasing year by year. With major donations coming in from local fundraising and personal donations to soup kitchens and homeless shelters, each person is seeking to give what they can to those whose year has been less than fruitful.
During the coronavirus pandemic, this donation average has increased by over $3,000. Like the Grinch, the pandemic has made Utahan’s heart grow three sizes larger as well.
Despite their own personal struggles from this year, many Utah residents have still elected to give all that they can to benefit the lives of their fellow men.
Though many cannot give monetarily, Utah residents have found other ways to give to charity during the holiday season.
With Christmas donation programs already established such as UServeUtah, Utah’s Habitat for Humanity, Operation Christmas Child, Forgotten Patient Christmas Project, Sub for Santa and many other programs, Utah residents are able to volunteer thousands of hours over the holiday season to those in need — Making the holiday season the most charitable and cheerful season of the year.
Therefore, this holiday season, find your reason and way to join this initiative. Whether it be streaming Michael Buble or going to the soup kitchen, your contribution could take the Beehive state from No. 2 to No. 1 come 2022.